Busan: In the lead-up to LIV Golf Korea, former MLB pitcher Park Chan-ho has been a prominent figure at the Asiad Country Club in Busan. On Wednesday, Park participated in a pro-am round at the par-70 course and continued his presence on Thursday and Friday, engaging with players and guests at the South Korean leg of the LIV Golf tournament.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Park has been actively promoting the event around Busan, following a request from Chris Rosaasen, the general manager of 4Aces Golf Club. The two developed a friendship while playing golf in the United States, and Park expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament. "The PGA Tour seems uptight but LIV Golf is a lot more fun and energetic," Park shared. "Hosting a tournament like this in Korea shows how much Korean golf has grown. For me personally, I get to learn so much by attending these sporting events and meeting people from so many different backgrounds."

After concluding a notable MLB career with 124 wins, Park transitioned into an avid golfer, even participating in three KPGA Tour events on sponsors' exemptions. Although he missed the cut in all three, Park finds a deep connection between baseball and golf, noting many similarities between the sports.

Park explained his strategic approach to both sports, emphasizing the importance of decision-making and adaptability. "I've finally learned when to keep the driver in the bag and hit the tee shot with an iron to keep the ball in the fairway," Park said. "As pitchers, you can't strike out every batter. You have to get some of them out on contact. The way you have to manage these situations is so similar."

He further compared a tee shot in golf to a first pitch in baseball. "If you keep your tee shot in the fairway, then it makes the rest of the hole easier," he noted. "But then again, just because you throw a ball with the first pitch, it doesn't mean you've lost that at-bat."

Park has enjoyed playing golf with fellow baseball players, observing that their playing styles often reflect their baseball techniques. He highlighted Ryu Hyun-jin, a current Korea Baseball Organization player and former MLB pitcher, as an example. "Hyun-jin is not a power pitcher. He relies on his control," Park remarked. "And when playing golf, he's the same way. He's very accurate with his shots."

Source: Yonhap News Agency